By Our Man in Riyadh
CRISTIANO RONALDO proved age is just a number as his towering header sparked wild scenes in Riyadh to leave Al Nassr on the brink of the title.
The Portuguese icon, now 41, rose highest in the 76th minute to break Al Ahli hearts before Kingsley Coman slammed home a late second to seal a 2-0 win.
It was a night where the stars shone brighter than the desert moon at Al-Awwal Park. While Al Ahli arrived with the swagger of recent AFC Champions League winners, they left empty-handed after failing to find a way past a resolute Nassr backline that has now kept a record-breaking 17 clean sheets this term.
Former Manchester City wizard Riyad Mahrez thought he had put the visitors ahead shortly after the break, slotting home with his trademark precision. But the linesman’s flag dampened the celebrations, and a swift VAR check confirmed the Algerian had strayed just beyond the last man.
That let-off breathed new life into Jorge Jesus’ side. Joao Felix, pulling the strings in midfield like a master puppeteer, began to find gaps in the Ahli defense.
He nearly turned provider for Mohamed Simakan earlier on, but it was his pinpoint delivery in the final quarter-hour that changed the game.
With the tension reaching fever pitch, Felix whipped in a delicious cross. Ronaldo, moving with the hunger of a teenager, escaped his marker and flicked a sublime header into the far corner. Even with an Ahli defender desperately guarding the line, there was no stopping the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 898th career goal.
“He’s inevitable,” one fan screamed as the legendary ‘Siu’ celebration echoed around the stadium.
As Al Ahli pushed for a desperate equalizer, they were caught on the break in the 90th minute. Aiman Yahya played a defense-splitting ball into the path of Kingsley Coman. The Frenchman didn’t need a second invitation, lashing a vicious strike past Edouard Mendy at the near post to wrap up the points.
The result moves Al Nassr eight points clear of Al Hilal at the summit. With only a handful of games remaining, the trophy looks destined for Ronaldo’s cabinet.
